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Midsomer Murders: The Debt of Lies (2022)
A solid return to form
This episode opens at the retirement party of a senior police officer. It is clear that she had ruffled a few feathers in her time. Shortly after moving to Challis Court, a community of retired police officers, she is killed when her car crashes into a tree. Barnaby and Winter are soon on the case and it becomes apparent that the crash was no accident. Just because the offence took place in a community of retired police officers doesn't mean they will get much help with their inquiries. Inquiries that will uncover other crimes and provide plenty of suspects.
I thought this was a really solid episode; certainly better than many. 'Midsomer Murders' was never too serious but does occasionally get a bit too silly; this episode managed to avoid silliness. We are provided with enough suspects and motives to keep us guessing to the end and just because certain characters aren't guilty of murders it doesn't mean they haven't committed other crimes. The cast, both regulars and guests, most notably Tom Conti, does a fine job and as expected the settings are appealing. Overall a fine episode that I'm sure most fans of the series will enjoy.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (2024)
An enjoyable teenage mystery
This series, based on a popular book of the same title, opens with the sight of a girl, Andie Bell, walking along a street at night; it is clear that she has received a serious injury to the back of her head... she is never seen again. It is assumed that Sal, her boyfriend, who committed suicide shortly afterwards, had killed her. Five years later seventeen year old Pip Fitz-Amobi decides to reinvestigate the case for a school project. She sets about questioning those who knew Andie and Sal. Not everybody wants to open old wounds but she gradually learns more about Andie and Sal. She also befriends Sal's brother Ravi, and they end up working together. As the story progresses it becomes clear that several people want to stop her investigating and that continuing might actually be dangerous.
I haven't read the book that inspired the series but can say the series is rather fun. The central mystery is intriguing and the characters, especially protagonist Pip are a lot of fun. Usually in a series like this there would be unnecessary subplots but thankfully this series is almost entirely about Pip and the case she has taken upon herself to investigate. As well as an interesting mystery there are moments of unforced humour... Pip going around in a star costume in an early episode was priceless! The cast is solid, especially Emma Myers, who does a great job as Pip; I'd never have guessed she is actually American if I hadn't read it online. The Bristol/Somerset filming locations nicely scenic; just the place for a murder mystery. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to mystery fans looking for light entertainment; if further books in the series are adapted for television I'll certainly watch.
The Acolyte (2024)
A murder mystery in the Star Wars universe
This 'Star Wars' series is set approximately a century before the events of 'The Phantom Menace'. Somebody is murdering specific Jedi. Jedi Master Sol is to lead the investigation and it soon becomes apparent that his former padawan, a girl named Osha, is the prime suspect. She proclaims her innocence; could it be that Mae, her troubled, presumed dead, twin is still alive? If so who is training her?
This might not be 'Star Wars' at its best but I still rather enjoyed it. Having it set long before any other films or series in the Star Wars Universe means we get all new characters who don't need to be compared to other depictions. The story is solid, even if the long lost twin is one of the oldest clichés in the book. There is plenty of action, this is exciting and often has a wuxia martial arts feel. The cast is solid; I especially liked Lee Jung-jae who played Sol and Amandla Stenberg, who impressed in the dual roles of Osha and Mae. The story makes extensive, and effective, use of flashbacks; showing us key events from the perspectives of different characters. By the end of the eighth, and currently final, episode many questions are unresolved; I hope we get more so we can find out what happens next but that doesn't seem certain right now. Overall I'd say this won't be to everybody's taste but would recommend at least giving it a try if you enjoy all things 'Star Wars'.
The Last Survivors (2014)
A post-apocalyptic Western
Sometime in the none too distant future, ten years after the last rainfall, seventeen year old Kendell is one of those struggling to survive in the desert that was once prosperous farmland. Water is becoming harder to come by; wells are drying up because, in an attempt to force everybody else out a man named Carson, and his associates, has drilled into the local aquifer to remove all the water. It soon becomes clear that they are killing anybody they don't consider to be of use to them. If Kendell is to survive she will inevitably have to confront Carson.
This may be a post-apocalyptic dystopian drama but it is also very much a western. The desert setting, the lone hero, or in this case heroine, standing up against the local baron who wants to control all the water and land, and the final showdown are all classic western tropes. The story is relatively simple and doesn't attempt to surprise the viewer. The film has a great look; one can really feel the dryness and heat of the setting and the sets are suitably sun-baked. The cast is solid enough with Haley Lu Richardson doing a fine job as Kendal, even if she does look a little too good to believe she's spent ten years in a desert. The action is quite violent at times but not excessively so. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of both westerns and post-apocalyptic dramas.
Slutet på sommaren (2023)
End of Summer
This Swedish drama opens in the summer of 1984 as young Vera witnesses her mother committing suicide by jumping into a lake. Twenty years later Vera is working as a grief councillor. A man, identifying himself as Isak talks about how he recently learnt that he was adopted; one of his only early memories concerns the disappearance of a childhood friend. Vera starts to wonder if Isak could in fact be her young brother Billy who vanished shortly before her mother's death. Returning to her rural home town with Isak she tries to discover what happened to her brother. Everybody seems to think local ne'er-do-well Tommy killed him before disappearing himself but is it that simple?
I thought this was a really solid series. There was a good sense of mystery and an impressive '80s feel to the numerous extended flashback scenes. The truth is gradually revealed and doesn't become guessable until it is almost time for the reveal; and even then it is a case of 'I think this might have happened' rather than certainty. The cast impresses, most obviously Julia Ragnarsson who does a fine job as Vera. Six episodes in length it doesn't feel rushed, nor does it ever drag. The setting is great; the flashback scenes beautifully captured the languid feel of childhood summers years ago. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Scandinavian drama.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
An action packed origins story
'Mad Max: Fury Road' introduced the character Imperator Furiosa this film shows how she came from the Green Place, an isolated community with fresh water and abundant crops. She is captured in the desert but refuses to give the location of the Green Place to Dementus, the leader of the gang who capture her. Later, given warlord Immortan Joe, she escapes his harem and, disguised as a boy, works her way up till she is riding alongside Praetorian Jack on a giant 'war rig'... this will ultimately bring her face to face with Dementus and she will seek her revenge.
I really enjoyed this film; it may have been two and a half hours long but it didn't feel like it. There was action from start to finish with only the briefest of pauses to advance the plot. The action was exciting although some of the CGI was a bit too obvious unfortunately. Anya Taylor-Joy did a great job as the adult Furiosa and Alyla Browne impressed as the younger Furiosa. The rest of the cast did an impressive job playing their suitably over the top characters. As one would expect from a film set in the world of 'Mad Max' there are lots of impressive post-apocalyptic vehicles that look great charging through the desert as their drivers try to kill each other. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody who enjoyed previous 'Mad Max' films or action fans in general.
Survival Island (2002)
Demon Island
When an isolated Central American tribe is beset by misfortune a piñata is created; in it are sealed the community's sins. It is then floated into the sea. Sometime later a group of US college students are celebrating Cinco de Mayo on an uninhabited island. As part of a treasure hunt random boys and girls are handcuffed together and must find as many items of underwear, which have been placed round the island, as possible. Inevitably one couple finds the cursed piñata and tries to break it... naturally this proves to be a fatal mistake as it comes to life and starts killing the students.
It must be stated that this film is not good; the plot is silly and, apart from the fact that the monster is a killer piñata, fairly unoriginal. The effects aren't great and the monster is clearly of the man-in-a-rubber-suit variety. The acting, which includes a few familiar faces, is adequate. Given that the male lead is played by Nicholas 'Xander from 'Buffy' Brendon one can't help but think this idea would have been rejected out of hand if suggested for that show. On the plus side it is gory at times. Given the silliness of the central idea it would have been better if the makers had made it funnier and trashier but unfortunately they played it straight so any laughs are accidental. Overall this is not good; something for connoisseurs of poor, low budget horror to laugh at with a few friends after several beers.
The Turkish Detective (2023)
An enjoyable cop show in an interesting location
This series, inspired by the books of Barbara Nadel, is set in Istanbul. Mehmet Suleyman, who was born in Turkey but lived in London, has returned to become a detective in the local police force. He serves under Inspector Cetin Ikmen and alongside Detective Ayse Farsakoglu. It soon becomes apparent that Hehmet had a specific reason to return to Turkey; his ex-girlfriend, an investigative journalist, was seriously injured in a hit and run incident... he is convinced that it was no accident. This private investigation continues in the back ground while the police investigate a variety of other crimes, these are each wrapped up in a two episode long story.
I really enjoyed this series. In many ways the two part mysteries are typical 'Saturday night crime drama' but the Istanbul location gives it a freshness. When I started watching I assumed Mehmet was the titular 'Turkish Detective' but Inspector Ikman is at least as important to the stories. Characters speak a mix of English and Turkish; perhaps not realistic but acceptable as the writer is English and the production American. The use of Some Turkish reminds us where we are... if that was necessary given the numerous scenes featuring the Bosporus and the Hagia Sophia in the background. The characters are interesting, especially Inspector Ikman and the cast do a solid job bringing them to life. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of easy going murder mysteries looking for something a little different; I hope we get further series.
Ivalo (2018)
Arctic Circle
This Finnish series is set in Finnish Lapland, near the Russian border. Nina Kautsalo, a local police officer, is part of the investigation into what happened to a Russian prostitute found in a remote cabin. The case is complicated when it is discovered that she is carrying a deadly disease that has previously only been found in a remote corner of the Yemen. German virologist Thomas Lorenz is sent to investigate the disease and the two work together and discover a sinister and dangerous plot. The second season sees Nina once again involved in an investigation that crosses the border when somebody who seeks her help is silenced by a wealthy hunting party.
I really enjoyed this series. The cases were interesting and the characters were fun to watch. The first two seasons feel as if they are set in totally different places; the first is snow covered as far as the eye can see while the second features a green landscape. I always like to see shows set in places I know little about. The cast did a fine job; especially Iina Kuustonen as Nina, Venla Ronkainen, who played her delightful daughter and Maximilian Brückner as Thomas. There are some family issues in each season but these give depth to the characters rather than distract from the story. Overall a solid series; I hope we don't have to wait too long to get the third season here.
These comments are based on watching the series in the original languages with English subtitles; it should be noted that the characters talk to other nationalities in perfect English.
Doctor Who: Empire of Death (2024)
A solid season finale
This, the second of a two part story sees The Doctor and Ruby continuing their struggle against Sutekh. Things don't start well for them but no matter how bad things get we know they won't give up.
I'd heard that this episode was a bit of a disappointment; perhaps for that reason I went in with low expectations and ended up being pleasantly surprised. There are plenty of scary moments with good special effects. Questions that have lingered all season are answered although the answer to the biggest question has a surprisingly mundane answer. The resolution of the Sutekh problem might not be great but is typical Doctor Who. Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson continue to impress as The Doctor and Ruby. Overall a decent conclusion to a season that got off to a fairly weak start... good enough that I'll continue to watch when the series returns.
Manayek (2020)
A gripping first season
This Israeli series is centred on Izzy Bachar, a policeman approaching retirement who works in the Internal Affairs Division. When, following a shooting, it emerges that the arrested attacker was a serving police officer Izzy is called in. The officer offers to name corrupt senior officers in exchange for a lighter sentence. The most senior of these is Barak Harel, a good friend of Izzy's. At first he recuses himself from the investigation but is brought back in and soon thinks the statement about his friend might be true.
I really enjoyed this series. Unlike many series that are full of twists and turns it lets us know who is corrupt early on and shows us their attempts to keep themselves from being implicated. The characters feel real, each with their own motivations and the thought that some have been drawn into corruption rather than been that way from the start. Izzy is a great protagonist, unlike the typical Hollywood lead he is world weary; Shalom Asayag does a fine job in the role. Unfortunately only the first season is available on Channel Four in the UK; hopefully they will get further seasons as I really want to know what happens next. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the genre.
These comments are based on watching the first season in Hebrew with English subtitles.
Lv2 kara Cheat datta Motoyûsha Kôho no Mattari Isekai Life (2024)
Chillin' in Another World With Level 2 Super Cheat Powers
The Kingdom of Klyrode is in need of a hero. Banaza finds himself magically summoned here from another world; they expect him to be their hero but tests show his skills are lacking. A second individual gets the job. Banaza is unwanted and banished to a particularly dangerous forest. It turns out the authorities were wrong about him and defeating a slime leads to him gaining all skills at an unmeasurably high level! He decides to disguise himself and live an easy life. Of course it won't be too easy. He meets, and defeats Fenrys, a demon-wolf girl who ends up living and developing feelings for him.
This might not be deep and meaningful but it is rather fun. Banaza is a likeable protagonist and Fenrys is a cute romantic interest. I liked the fact that even though more girls end up joining Banaza it doesn't feel like an obvious harem story. His power means there is little sense of danger but there is a decent amount of action which is fun to watch. The alternate 'Blond Hero' is an entertaining antagonist. The animation and character designs are good. There is a fair amount of fan service but not an excessive amount. Overall a fun series; I'd recommend it to fans of light hearted isekai.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Shûmatsu Torein Doko e Iku? (2024)
Train to the End of the World
When the 7G mobile telephone network is turned on in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo something strange happens. Reality in Japan is shattered; distances between previously nearby places suddenly increases and its inhabitants find themselves changed. In rural Agano everybody over the age of twenty one becomes an anthropomorphic animal. Four school girls decide to take an abandoned train to Ikebukuro, where a friend now lives. Along the way they come across communities that have been changed in other strange ways.
I really enjoyed this series; of those I watched this season this is the one I liked the most. The plot is delightfully surreal. The effects of the 7G event are imaginative in ways that manage to be amusing and a bit creepy at times. Our four leads are likeable and even as things get strange we can believe in them. The animation and character designs are impressive and the backgrounds increasingly trippy, especially when they get nearer Ikebukuro. Overall I'd definitely recommend this one.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Vanpaia Danshiryô (2024)
Vampire Dormitory
Mito Yamamoto is an orphan who wasn't particularly wanted by the rest of her family. Made homeless in her teens she disguises herself as a boy to avoid unwanted attention. One day she meets Ruka Saotome who, after a minor accident, tastes her blood. It turns out he is a vampire! Events lead to him inviting her to become his thrall... this means her enrolling at his all boys school. Will she be able to hide the fact that she is a girl? Ruka develops feelings for her but that could endanger his future position as leader of the vampires.
This might not be the best anime I've watched this season but it was quite fun. While watching I was immediately reminded of the classic 'Ouran High School Host Club' and the not so classic 'Diabolik Lovers'... sadly it lacks the wit of the former but is more charming than the latter of these. The story provides some elements of humour, romance and some jeopardy. There aren't too many surprises but that doesn't really matter. The character designs and animation are both pretty good. Being animated it is easier to accept that Mito can look feminine when her long hair is on show yet pass for male by donning a short wig and suitable clothing. Overall I'd not say this was a must see but I enjoyed it well enough while watching.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Dawn of the Mummy (1981)
Tomb robbers and fashion models must face an ancient mummy and his undead army
This film opens in Egypt thousands of years ago. Followers of the late Pharaoh Sefirama round up villagers and bury them with the Sefirama. The priestess leading the funeral service warns that if the tomb is disturbed Sefirama and his army will rise from the dead to rule again. Millennia pass. In the present to tomb is discovered by Rick, Tariq, and Karib, a trio of tomb robbers hoping to find gold. Shortly afterwards a photographer and a group of models arrive in the area for a fashion shoot. On hearing of the tomb they decide to shoot there, the thieves act as though they have nothing to hide. Inevitably Sefirama does rise from the dead and people start dying.
This film was never going to win any awards. The story isn't all that bad but the acting is laughable. Nothing much happens in the early part of the film and the characters aren't interesting enough to care about once it does start. On the plus side I liked the somewhat unpleasant look of Sefirama and his undead followers and once they start killing people it is quite gory. The music is a distraction from the film; doesn't add to the tension and is unnecessarily loud. Overall this certainly isn't a must watch and is only likely to appeal to connoisseurs of low budget horror.
Doctor Who: The Legend of Ruby Sunday (2024)
A solid enough opening for the two-part season finale
This, the first of a two part season finale, sees The Doctor and Ruby going to UNIT HQ. Here they hope to identify the woman The Doctor has seen in different guises everywhere he travelled with Ruby; they also hope to find the identity of Ruby's birth-mother. The Doctor learns that the woman is here too; she is Susan Triad, head of S Triad Technology... she may also be somebody from The Doctor's past.
I thought this was a pretty solid episode despite the fact that it is set mostly in a single room. This means there isn't the usual running around. The story brings back old characters and references a threat not seen since 1975 in a story I admit I can't remember. Tension rises nicely as the episode progresses and there are some nicely scary, but not too scary moments. There are some weaker points; I wasn't keen on the thirteen year old child genius working at UNIT and having identities hidden by anagrams is more than a little cliché. Overall a solid enough episode; hopefully the second part will give us a good conclusion.
Henjin no Salad Bowl (2024)
A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics
Thirteen year old Princess Sara Da Odin and Livia Do Udis, her knight, are on the losing side when the Ofim Empire falls to rebel forces. Using a portal they manage to escape and find themselves in modern day Japan. Sara is found by Sosuke Kaburaya a struggling detective; he takes her in and she ends up helping him with his work. Meanwhile Livia has less luck; separated from Sara she ends up homeless. She gets a few job offers but they tend to be somewhat sleazy then, thanks to her magical abilities finds herself the subject of a cult's attention.
I thought this series was a lot of fun; the characters are likable and fun to watch. Attention is mostly divided between Sara and Livia's activities; personally I found the latter's more amusing although both were entertaining. While it isn't offensive there is some fan service and risqué content; mostly involving Livia. The character designs and animation are good. Overall a really fun little series; well worth watching if you want a laugh.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Sutnja (2021)
The Silence
This Croatian/Ukrainian series opens in the Croatian city of Osijek where a man discovers the body of a girl on the banks of the River Drava. Police officers Inspektor Vladimir 'Vlado' Kovac and Inspektorica Vesna Horak are put on the case. Also investigating matters is Stribor, a journalist. At first it is considered a suicide but when further bodies are found the possibility that there is a serial killer at work arises. Meanwhile in Kyiv; Olga, the Ukrainian wife of a Croatian politician, is running a charity for girls when her own niece goes missing. As the investigation into the killer progresses it becomes clear that people in power are keen to guide the investigation in a particular way.
I found this to be a gripping series. The story is effective and the characters interesting. Of course one thing the makers couldn't envisage was the fact that Russia would invade Ukraine just before the first season aired. This was incorporated into the story for season two; the contrast between the city of Kyiv in the two seasons is shocking even though we've all seen what happened in the news. The story moves at a good pace and there is plenty of tension and a real sense of danger. The cast does a really fine job making their characters believable. Without going into details all major plot lines are wrapped up at the end of the second season so one doesn't have to worry about whether more will be made. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of subtitled drama.
These comments are based on watching the series in the original languages with English subtitles.
One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, Tenshi-tsuki. (2024)
Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included
Shintaro Tokumitsu is a student who lives alone in a small studio apartment... at least he does until one day he finds a girls sleeping on his balcony. She isn't just any girl though; she is Towa, an angel sent by god to learn about humanity. His life is about to get interesting as he starts attracting more supernatural girls.
I thought this series was rather fun, in a light hearted way... the type of show one enjoys while watching but are unlikely to watch again. The characters are fun and varied and for a harem show there isn't too much fan service. The character designs are suitable varied so one won't confuse who is who even if they look similar to those in most modern series. Overall worth a watch if you are a fan of the genre.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Raffles (1939)
A fun little film about the gentleman thief
A. J. Raffles is a successful cricketer and popular man about town. What his high society friends don't realise is that he finances his lifestyle by burglary and safecracking. Thanks to cards left at the scenes of his crimes people know him as the Amateur Cracksman. One day Raffles old friend Bunny Manders reintroduces him to his sister Gwen, whom he has been infatuated with since they first met. When Bunny tells him he has large gambling debts Raffles comes up with a plan to steal some jewels; it won't be easy though Inspector MacKenzie has started to suspect Raffles and is determined to catch the man who has been making a fool of the police.
I thought this film was rather fun. It is enjoyably light-hearted and David Niven is in fine form in the title role; a role not that dissimilar to that he played in 'The Pink Panther' many years later. At only seventy two minutes in length there isn't time for any major twists just the question of just how will he get away from those determined to catch him an how will he get his hands on the goods. The rest of the cast is solid too; Olivia de Havilland is a delight as Gwen. There was a decent amount of tension towards the end... would Raffles get away or would the period's sense of morality demand the thief gets caught? Watch to find out. Overall a fun film for fans of older movies.
Orphan Black: Echoes (2023)
A solid follow up to the great 'Orphan Black'
This Canadian sci-fi series is set in 2052, thirty seven years after the events of the original 'Orphan Black'. It is centred on Lucy, a woman who one day wakes up and is told she has lost her memory after a medical procedure. She later learns that the truth is more shocking; she was created in a revolutionary 3D printing process. Her creator was none other than Kira Manning, the daughter of 'Orphan Black' protagonist Sara. Over the course of the series she will learn why she was created and face danger from those who now control the printing machine.
While this might not be as good as 'Orphan Black', that would be difficult, I still sound it to be enjoyable; certainly better than I feared it might be. I liked that it is thematically linked to the original but eschews the idea of clones for a new type of created person. This means that instead of having one actress play many clones we get three different actresses playing three version of the same person at different ages... conveniently they are given different names so we know who is being talked about. The cast does a solid job; I particularly liked Krysten Ritter as Lucy and Amanda Fix as Jules. The story is intriguing and features some nice twists. There is a good level of tension and some solid action. I'm glad 2052 isn't too futuristic; the future is never as futuristic as we expect it to be. The final episode clearly sets things up for further seasons; I certainly hope we get more. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of the original; just don't expect it to be quite as good.
Doctor Who: Rogue (2024)
Ruby and The Doctor attend a ball in Regency England
This episode opens at a stately home in 1813. One man approaches another and accuses him of being a cad... he says that sounds more interesting than his own life before taking the appearance of the other, leaving him dead. A ball is underway and The Doctor and Ruby are attending. The Doctor encounters a bounty hunter known as Rogue. Rogue thinks he is a Chuldur, a dangerous shapeshifting alien; he will take some persuading to believe otherwise. Meanwhile Ruby has befriended Emily, a young woman who believes her reputation is ruined after she is caught alone with a man.
While I don't think this was the best episode of the series it did prove to be rather fun. The Regency period is delightfully stylish, at least for the upper echelons of society, so looks great. The Chuldur were suitably menacing, at least while in the form of the people they had taken over... their natural forms were a bit comical. I didn't expect much in the way of tension but the ending proved pretty good; I even thought it was possible a major character might be in real danger. On the down side I wasn't keen on the way The Doctor developed romantic feelings for somebody he just met; it just felt so out of character. Overall though I thought it was enjoyable in a mostly light-hearted way.
Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf wo Yome ni Shitanda ga, Dou Medereba Ii? (2024)
An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride
Zagen has a reputation for being an evil sorcerer. One day he spends a fortune to buy an elf slave named Nephelia. It is assumed, not least by her, that his plans for her are nefarious... This couldn't be more wrong. He fell in love with her at first sight but is too shy to tell her how he feels. This leads to comedy, romance as well as some action as he must battle various foes.
I thought this was a fun series; a good blend of action and humour. Zagen and 'Nephy' are fun protagonists and sometime antagonist Barbatos provides plenty of laughs... usually as the butt of the joke. The animation is good, as are the character designs. Overall I'd say this is worth watching if you enjoy supernatural comedy/romance and a bit of action.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Jana - Märkta för livet (2024)
Jana - Marked For Life
This Swedish crime drama is centred on Jana Berzelius, a young woman who is just starting out as an assistant public prosecutor in the town of Norrköping. Her first case proves to be rather personal; Hans Juhlén, the head of the immigration board has been murdered shortly after he had approached her for help. Not just that he helped her get adopted by a prominent family when she was found by the harbour as a child. The investigation will open old wounds and expose decades old secrets.
I thought this was a solid enough addition to the Nordic Noir genre. The story is suitably gripping with some decent twists and turns... as well as quite a few genre clichés. The cast does a solid job bringing their characters to life. I know 'noir' means black but things are often a bit too dark as rooms are under-lit. On the plus side there is plenty of tension, especially towards the end. Talking of the ending; many details are wrapped up but a few are left open suggesting we might get more seasons; if we do I'll certainly be watching. Overall I'd say that this isn't a must see but is still an enjoyable watch.
These comments are based on watching the series in Swedish with English subtitles.
Blur (2022)
A solid low budget Aussie horror
As this Australian horror film opens with a woman, who works for a museum, being driven through the desert in Iraq. She asks the driver to stop at some ruins and photographs an ancient statue. She then returns home and unpleasant things start to happen in her apartment that will place her and her friend Jade, a bookseller, in grave danger from supernatural forces. An early event leads to a police officer taking an interest in what is going on; at first he believes Jade has done something very bad but later suspects that she is in danger.
This is clearly a fairly low budget film and the plot is fairly simple; that doesn't mean it isn't worth watching though. The setup is effective and once things start to get unpleasant the tension remains high for most of the time. I thought the acting was pretty solid and while the special effects may have been limited by the budget they were actually pretty good. Keeping most of the action in Jade's flat gave the film a good claustrophobic feel. While there isn't a huge amount of gore there is some injury detail, suitably unpleasant moments including a surprising early death and some nicely disturbing body horror. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of low budget horror.